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Jamie Riley Obituary
Fair Haven - Private First Class Jamie Riley, 21, of Fair Haven, New Jersey followed his heart from a young age to serve in the United States Military. He enlisted into the Army on January 23, 2018, after attending Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a Cavalry Scout, Reconnaissance Soldier stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas where he was assigned to the 1st Armored Division, 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
On the evening of January 22, 2019, Jamie along with another soldier were both fatally injured in a Stryker vehicle accident during a training exercise. Although his time was tragically cut short, his prestigious awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Air Assault Badge, Combat and Special Skill Badge, Basic Marksmanship Badge, and Bar, Weapon: Rifle Expert.
A 2015 graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School, Jamie was a natural leader, excelled in football, track and field, and practiced Tae Kwon Do achieving his third degree black belt. Jamie was an avid outdoorsman who loved to exercise and train intensely with military firearms. He was also an animal lover, who loved all of his Boxer dogs immensely.
Jamie's mother was born in Scotland of Scottish parents and he was intensely proud of his Scottish heritage, even teaching himself how to play the bagpipes.
Jamie will be deeply missed by his parents Carolyn and Carl Riley, his younger sister Cassidy Riley, grandparents Dr. James F. S. and Noreen Reid of Keerbergen, Belgium, and John and Lorraine Riley of Middletown, NJ, and his best friend Christopher Appezzato of Fair Haven, along with multiple other close relatives and friends on both sides of the Atlantic.
Jamie will always be remembered for his lovable personality, hardworking, helpful ways, generosity, extreme kindness, and most importantly his good-natured smile that could light up the darkest room.
Visitation will be Monday, February 4th at Tower Hill Presbyterian Church, 255 Harding Road, Red Bank, NJ, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m. Interment will be private at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a memorial donation to the Fisher House Foundation at fisherhouse.org. The Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military & veterans' families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital. The Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank, NJ has been entrusted with the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jim Erving
February 4, 2019
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours, to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom.
Yours, very sincerely and respectfully
Jim Erving and Family
Fred Dispensiere
February 4, 2019
As a neighbor and friend to the Rileys for many years - I watched Jamie grown into a fine, upstanding, patriotic gentleman. We often spoke about him joining the military. My sincerest and heartfelt sympathy to all his family and friends. "Thank you for service, Soldier." My God give his loved ones comfort, strength, peace, and faith. Fred Dispensiere.
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Carole, Bryan & Chyna Walker
February 4, 2019
Dear Carolyn, Cassie, and Carl, please accept the deepest and most profound sympathy we can offer over the loss of your beloved Jamie. Your loss is our loss because Jamie was indeed one of a kind! He was the most open, lovable, and friendly young man we have ever known ... from his years watching over my grandson during their martial arts days to looking out for him during their summer police academy days. He will never leave our hearts and minds, or the thoughts and memories of his family, friends, and neighbors. We thank God for allowing Jamie to walk among us; now he is walking with God. Farewell Sweet One!
Carol Wright
February 4, 2019
So sorry for your loss
Carol Wright
James Ladley
February 3, 2019
He was a hard worker, and a talented martial artist, I wish only the best for him in heaven.
February 3, 2019
To Carolyn, Cassie, and Carl, deepest sympathy and all our love at the loss of a super son, who was also our beloved Jamie. He loved everything Scottish, and loved every single person with whom he ever came in contact. He will be missed so very much. Rest in Peace, Jamie; you will remain in our hearts forever.
STAN AND AGNES MILLAR,
(Jamie's Uncle and Aunt, in Scotland, UK)
Andre & Robin Banks
February 1, 2019
The Banks family sends our most deepest sympathy for your beloved son Jamie. I know you were very proud of Jamie and his many accomplishments. Much love and peace. Andre & Robin Banks and family
Robert and Jeanne O'Leary
February 1, 2019
So deeply saddened by your loss, dear friend and colleague. May Our Lord give you strength at this time of mourning and know in your heart the many thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones... With great love and sympathy, Bob and Jeanne O'Leary and family...
Chief John F. Pollinger, (Ret.)
February 1, 2019
To the family of Private First Class Jamie Riley, I want to express my heartfelt condolences on the tragic and untimely loss of Jamie. May the prayers of so many, bring some measure of comfort in the days, weeks and months yet to come.
Patti Paul
February 1, 2019
Bless you for your service. We are so sorry to hear of your passing. Sending prayers for you and your family.
January 31, 2019
January 31, 2019
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived and comfort from our loving heavenly creator.
CO, Montclair, NJ
Connie Cicalese
January 31, 2019
God Bless you and your family. Thank you for your service to our country.
Jeff & Colleen Courtney
January 31, 2019
Our collective hearts are heavy with sympathy. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences. And Jamie thank you for your service.
The Courtney Family.
Nancy Hofstetter
January 31, 2019
Rest In Peace. Thank you for your service
Diane Smith
January 31, 2019
Dear Carolyn, Carl, Cassidy, grandparents Noreen and Jimmy Reid, and all members of your family, our deepest condolences. We were devastated when Agnes and Stan Millar called from Scotland with the sad news about Jamie. Only recently, Agnes had expressed what a lovely young man Jamie had become. As parents and your loss, sadly there are few words of comfort. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Diane and Fred Smith, Ontario, Canada
Jay Camassa
January 31, 2019
I have been a family friend of the Riley's for many years. They are, and will always be, my family. I was deeply saddened to hear of Jamie's passing. He was a fine young man who made his family and friends very proud. My heart goes out to the entire Riley family during this very difficult time in their lives. My deepest sympathy and condolences. Thank you, Jamie, for your service to this country. You will be missed!!
January 31, 2019
Jamie, You made all of us proud. I remember when you talked about the military and I knew you would do whatever you set your mind to. I am praying to god that he comforts your entire family. Little Nick was upset and still doesn't believe it. You did what you wanted and no one can fault you. We feel like you are part of our family and we will always remember you that way. Love Brian and Nicky Appezzato.
Jack Rumph
January 31, 2019
Thank you for your service Jamie.
Stephanie Hanemann
January 31, 2019
Dearest Carolyn Carl Cassie and all family members
My heart goes out to all of you. At this sad time
I'm out of town but my heart and prayers are with all of you.
January 31, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family.
Tracey Berry & family
clare mcintosh
January 31, 2019
lorraine and john, so sorry for your loss. thank you jaime for your service.
Thomas Dalton
January 31, 2019
God bless you Sir and your family. My deepest sympathies.
m a
January 31, 2019
Thank you for your service,may you rest in peace,prayers to the family may memories bring some peace.
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